Professional Summary
Personal Statement
Human stories and culture are often expressed through food. A freshly baked French bread, crunchy pickled vegetables, and braised pork – each intricate ingredient tells a story that forms the Banh Mi. Banh Mi was a sandwich created by the Vietnamese out of need for cultural preservation in response to French colonization -- a story that made its way to my friends and me as we enjoyed this dish in a local cafe in Hanoi last winter during the holidays. Sitting there with my sandwich, I could appreciate the persistence it took to perfect the craft of bread baking, the attention to detail in the blend of spices, and memorable bonds we made with the locals as they shared their stories with us. I have found myself using this same persistence, eye for detail, and human connection to craft a thoughtful history, employ clinical skills, and engage in detective work to reveal intimate yet crucial details vital to treatment -- integral skills of how I envision practicing medicine. My love for culinary arts and travel has awakened an appreciation for the value of human stories and experiences.
Why I Chose Cincinnati
Due to the nature of this past year, most of us were unable to visit the city and hospital of our programs. Though it was a virtual interview, I saw everything I envisioned for myself in a future residency program. A nurturing environment that is challenging yet never strayed away from the humanity of medicine. From meeting the program director, my interviewers, and residents – it was extremely clear to me this was the place I wanted to train at surrounded by these incredible people!
Education
MD: West Virginia University School of Medicine - Martinsburg